May 20, 1998
To:Toronto City Cycling Committee and metro Cycling and Pedestrian Committee
From:Virginia M. West, Commissioner
Subject:Film Permits Issued for Streets with Bicycle Lanes
Purpose:
To explain the City of Toronto policy respecting issuing film permits for locations where there are bicycle lanes.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Background:
At their joint meeting on March 25, 1998 the Toronto City Cycling Committee and the Metropolitan Cycling and
Pedestrian Committee requested that Planning Department staff report on the present policy respecting issuing of film
permits for locations where there are bicycle lanes.
Discussion:
The City of Toronto Film & Television Office has a mandate to market Toronto as a filming location and to coordinate all
filming activities at locations on City streets and properties.
The Film & Television Office issues permits to film companies for parking their equipment and crew vehicles on the road
for the duration of filming at a given location. For film locations where there are bicycle lanes, the permit requires the
maintenance of the existing bicycle lane or the provision of a Atemporary bicycle lane@ with the use of traffic cones while
their vehicles are parked at the curb.
The Film & Television Office does not have the staff resources to inspect locations once a permit has been issued.
However, if complaints are received the film location managers are contacted to ensure that they comply with the
requirements of the permit. Film companies are also required to employ a paid-duty police officer on location to ensure
minimal traffic disruption during their filming.
The Film and Television Office will circulate film permits to bicycle planning staff so that they can monitor the impact of
filming locations on bicycle lanes.
Conclusion:
The existing policy for issuing film permits for streets with bicycle lanes appears to be adequate.
Contact:
Daniel Egan
Telephone: 392-1143
e-mail: degan@city.toronto.on.ca
John Gladki
Director, Program Services
